Not ten minutes past downtown Spokane, there are goats. Goats and a farm full of possibility.
Eden Brightspirit Hendrix addresses a circle of attentive farmers, families, and rag-tag twenty-somethings. The vision she describes brings the frost-bitten landscape to life.
“We’re in the orchard. Just past those horses, we’ll have a mobile chicken coop that travels around the property, providing valuable nutrients to rotating crops. As the hens lay, fresh eggs will be gathered and sold. Some of the birds will be raised for meat. In that field you’ll find a set of beds for garden greens and starts. The compost heap just past that fence will turn additional animal, vegetable, and residential green-waste into fertilizer. Right now you’re looking at six truckloads of fall leaves gathered from homes on the South Hill.”
The winter wind blows and steam from the boiling pot tempts the crowd to seek warmth. Chattering teeth emit murmurs of awe and excitement. A small voice, “Can we see the goats?”
Enthusiasm mounts as the group shuffles into a massive barn. It’s silent and empty… Almost empty.
“Those stalls were once home to 24 thoroughbred horses. Now we have 2 goat pens, three farmhand apprentice apartments, and a plan to add an industrial kitchen, a creamery, a butchery and additional livestock. We also have Chrys Ostrander. His 30 years of experience will stay on-site over the next few years as we transform this space into a working farm. Chrys, will you please introduce the goats?”
At Chrys’ signal, a cute girl in sturdy boots leads a pair of goats into the barn. The silents erupts into a cloud of tails, and giggles. Some people watch, some explore…
When the dust settles, Brightspirit takes the tour back outside, describing the future as she walks.
“We’ve partnered with a number of programs and organizations to get this project off the ground. The list includes: DOC, Career Path Services, Nextgen at Worksource, Spokane Regional Health District, YMCA, VOICES, YES, Conservation District, Spokane County Extension, Pioneering a Healthy Spokane and Second Harvest Food Bank. By 2010 we’ll be ready to approach the community with apprenticeship opportunities and regular weekend workshops… Today, we commemorate our commitment to this venture by planting the very first tree with you. It’s a P.E.A.C.H tree.”
Small hands lift big shovels and firm ground relents. Brightspirit steps back and addresses the group once more.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s important work. We have to find a way to make local, organic, sustainable foods affordable and accessible for ALL the people of Spokane. This is the first step.”
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The P.E.A.C.H. Community Farm will bring their first harvest to market this coming summer. Visit http://peachlocal.blogspot.com for information and updates.
